City Auctioning Off a 62-Year-Old Fireboat for Just $510
If the houseboat lifestyle piques your fancy, this may be your big chance to live life on the open seas right here in NYC, as the city is auctioning off a 62-year-old fireboat. Though the initial asking price was $510, there have surprisingly been 17 bids since Wednesday, putting the current highest price at $3,050. Keep in mind, as Gothamist points out, that although this seems like a steal, it will likely cost thousands more a month to dock the 129-foot boat, on top of maintenance and transportation costs (it’s being sold “AS IS” and “WHERE IS”). Some of the “amenities” you’ll get include water cannons (it’s not known if they actually work, but they certainly still look cool), a lookout tower (binoculars not included), and co-living style bunkbeds.
The actual interiors look pretty dingy and dirty, but it sure will be nice to lounge out on the deck in summer months.
The boat is currently docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It was built in 1954 in Camden, NJ for 1,426,000 and was named for Marine Engineer John McKean, who was killed in a 1953 steam explosion on another ship. “Although fatally injured, McKean heroically remained at his post, vainly trying to keep the vessel under control,” reads a plaque on the fireboat. Interested parties won’t be permitted to take it for a test drive, but they can set up an appointment with the FDNY to run the engine in place. The winning bidder will have ten days to relocate the boat, and Gothamist suggests the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing as a potential home that can accommodate such a large vessel. Short-term overnight rates there are $2 per foot per night. Here’s a video that provides a close-up look:
Want to get in on the auction? Place your bid before March 2nd here >>
[Via Gothamist]
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Photos and video courtesy of Public Surplus
